Special Events
Author James Harris, Santa Monica Pier: America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier
Santa Monica History Museum welcomes author and historian James Harris as he presents the highly anticipated expanded edition of his celebrated book,
“Santa Monica Pier: America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier.”
The Santa Monica Pier embodies a compelling saga of resilience—battling forces of nature and political currents, adapting through evolving times. More than a tourist attraction, it has become a tangible slice of history, embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptation that defines California.
Previous Events
Housing Journeys and UnHoused Solutions
Historian Elsa Devienne will present her new book “Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles” at the Santa Monica History Museum on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM
Drawing from historical archives, anthropology, and cultural artifacts, Devienne showcases the beach’s pivotal role in urban history and its impact on issues such as real estate, race, environmental conservation, and modern beauty standards.
The book explores the formation of a “beach lobby” in the 1930s, which spearheaded efforts to reclaim and clean the beaches, paving the way for their modernization as havens for a mostly white, heterosexual middle class. Devienne also examines the cultural significance of Muscle Beach and the rise of surf culture, which helped shape Hollywood’s portrayal of physical beauty and leisure.
Food Stories
Historian Elsa Devienne will present her new book “Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles” at the Santa Monica History Museum on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM
Drawing from historical archives, anthropology, and cultural artifacts, Devienne showcases the beach’s pivotal role in urban history and its impact on issues such as real estate, race, environmental conservation, and modern beauty standards.
The book explores the formation of a “beach lobby” in the 1930s, which spearheaded efforts to reclaim and clean the beaches, paving the way for their modernization as havens for a mostly white, heterosexual middle class. Devienne also examines the cultural significance of Muscle Beach and the rise of surf culture, which helped shape Hollywood’s portrayal of physical beauty and leisure.
Santa Monica Pier: America’s Last Great Pleasure Pier
Historian Elsa Devienne will present her new book “Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles” at the Santa Monica History Museum on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM
Drawing from historical archives, anthropology, and cultural artifacts, Devienne showcases the beach’s pivotal role in urban history and its impact on issues such as real estate, race, environmental conservation, and modern beauty standards.
The book explores the formation of a “beach lobby” in the 1930s, which spearheaded efforts to reclaim and clean the beaches, paving the way for their modernization as havens for a mostly white, heterosexual middle class. Devienne also examines the cultural significance of Muscle Beach and the rise of surf culture, which helped shape Hollywood’s portrayal of physical beauty and leisure.
Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles
Historian Elsa Devienne will present her new book “Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles” at the Santa Monica History Museum on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM
Drawing from historical archives, anthropology, and cultural artifacts, Devienne showcases the beach’s pivotal role in urban history and its impact on issues such as real estate, race, environmental conservation, and modern beauty standards.
The book explores the formation of a “beach lobby” in the 1930s, which spearheaded efforts to reclaim and clean the beaches, paving the way for their modernization as havens for a mostly white, heterosexual middle class. Devienne also examines the cultural significance of Muscle Beach and the rise of surf culture, which helped shape Hollywood’s portrayal of physical beauty and leisure.
Housing Solutions and the Future
SMHM hosts students from local high schools as we honor Dia de los Muertos. Students share beautiful altars honoring family and friends. The rich tradition of Dia de los Muertos is a rare opportunity to spend time with loved ones who have passed away as well as being a time to process their loss and remember. Dia de los Muertos is not a mournful commemoration but a joyous, colorful celebration of life and memory.
Dia de los Muertos
SMHM hosts students from local high schools as we honor Dia de los Muertos. Students share beautiful altars honoring family and friends. The rich tradition of Dia de los Muertos is a rare opportunity to spend time with loved ones who have passed away as well as being a time to process their loss and remember. Dia de los Muertos is not a mournful commemoration but a joyous, colorful celebration of life and memory.
Unidad Screening 2023
Evenings At The Museum: UNIDAD Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos Screening and Panel Join us on Thursday, September 28, for a screening of the award winning film UNIDAD. This important documentary tells the story of the Los Angeles organization Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU), a political and social group formed in 1981 to help bring Queer Latino issues to light in the LGBT community. The evening will include a talkback with the filmmakers. Presented in partnership with The Outwords Archive. Screening begins at 7:00. Run-time: 40 minutes. Panel to follow. Admission is Free.
Dia de los Muertos
SMHM hosts students from local high schools as we honor Dia de los Muertos. Students share beautiful altars honoring family and friends. The rich tradition of Dia de los Muertos is a rare opportunity to spend time with loved ones who have passed away as well as being a time to process their loss and remember. Dia de los Muertos is not a mournful commemoration but a joyous, colorful celebration of life and memory.
Patrick Moser – Surf & Rescue
Thursday August 4th – 5:30pm to 7pm
Author Patrick Moser discusses his new book “Surf & Rescue: George Freeth and the Birth of California Beach Culture,” which tells the story of mixed-race Hawaiian athlete George Freeth who brought surfing to Venice, California, in 1907.
2019 Shirley Temple Tea Party
This year’s Shirley Temple Tea Party theme is Storybook based on the story books read by Shirley Temple.
Book Signing – Santa Monica: A Look Back to 1902 from Today
Book Signing Santa Monica: A Look Back to 1902 from Today Click image to visit Book websiteDATE: May 24, 2018 TIME: 6pm – 7pm Michael Murphy, the author of “Santa Monica: A Look back to 1902 from Today,” signs his book at the Santa Monica History Museum for a special event in conjunction with the Museum’s new exhibition featuring his work. Murphy’s book is a then-and-now photographic comparison of Santa Monica as it looked in 1902 and how it appears today. Book released on May 14th, by Arcadia Publishing and is available for purchase in the Museum and online gift […]
Shirley Temple’s 90th Birthday Tea Party
Don’t miss this very special event and one-day-only exhibit of these historic cinematic treasures! Join us on Saturday, April 21st, 2018 from 12:00 to 2:30 PM for a tea party celebrating the 90th anniversary of Shirley Temple’s birth, featuring an exclusive one-day-only exhibit of her newly reunited Little Princess costume-ensemble, plus a selection of iconic dresses and never-before-displayed items. A delicious traditional tea service will be served, including tea sandwiches, desserts, and a variety of teas and coffee. Tickets: $35.00 Click here to visit our event page for more info and to purchase tickets! All proceeds from this event and […]